Lymphoma

There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin's lymphoma or Hodgkin's disease, identified in 1832 by Dr. Thomas Hodgkin, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Because lymph tissue is found in many parts of the body, lymphoma can start nearly anywhere. The lymph nodes become enlarged and the cancer can spread through the lymph system. In 2009, there will be about 8,150 new cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma and about 65,980 cases of NHL diagnosed, according to the American Cancer Society.

Hodgkin's disease and NHL are different diseases that both arise from the lymph node tissues in the body. In fact, there are many, many types of NHL. The different types can be distinguished from one another by looking at the cells under a microscope.

Regardless of the type of cell, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is key to a patient's long term well-being - which is how PET scanning can help.